7 Apps to Help Sufferers of Traumatic Brain Injuries

A typical course of treatment for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is to rest your brain – that means no TV, no reading, and certainly no computer or phone activity. It may seem counterintuitive then to recommend mobile phone apps and tablet apps for TBI sufferers, but keep an open mind. The list of apps collected here are also intended for the families and caregivers of TBI victims so they can assist the person they love in their TBI recovery.

Audible

When you have mobile device restrictions or trouble reading, an app like Audible lets you listen to audio books on your smartphone. For book lovers, or people who are on “mind arrest” and unable to do much of anything while they wait for their brain to heal, audio books and this app can be a true lifesaver.

Awesome Memory

While the good, old-fashioned card game of Memory may be easier on the constitution of TBI sufferers (plus, it’s just fun to feel like a kid again), it’s still nice to have a memory-tweaking app like Awesome Memory that mirrors the original game and that exercises your brain in a low-key but important way.

Breathe2Relax

When your yoga mat is far away, Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool that helps user monitor and calm their anxiety through breathing exercises. Focusing on breathing is one of the most effective methods of relaxation, mood stabilization, and anger control.

Concussion Recognition & Response

One of the most common problems with TBIs is that they are misdiagnosed, or go completely undiagnosed. The Concussion Recognition & Response app is meant for parents and coaches to help them determine whether a person is exhibiting signs or symptoms of a concussion.

Dragon Dictation

Sometimes it’s far easier for a TBI patient to communicate by speaking rather than writing, but in our digitized culture, it can be difficult to connect with others if you aren’t able to do it by email, text, or social media. Dragon Dictation is a voice recognition app that allows users to send brief texts, longer emails, write notes and reminders, or update Facebook and Twitter, all by voice and without typing a word. This method can be up to five times faster than typing on a keyboard.

In Case of Emergency (ICE)

One thing that concussion sufferers have by the dozens are doctor appointments – concussions specialists, physical therapists, eye doctors, neurologists, the list can seem never ending. In Case of Emergency keeps all of your doctors, medications, allergies, insurance information, and, most importantly medical conditions in one place. Definitely a help when filling out another inevitable set of paperwork for another doctor.

Pill Time

It’s difficult enough for people who don’t have a TBI and who aren’t dealing with memory and concentration problems to keep track of their responsibilities from moment to moment. But it’s especially detrimental for individuals under medical care to miss an important medication. Pill Time is an app that keeps track of your medicines, the dosage, and reminds you when you need to take them, even if the app is not running.

The goal, of course, is to help TBI sufferers reach the point where they can feel normal again and function as they always have. And when the ban on screens and fine print are lifted, they will be seeking additional support when it comes to improving memory, managing anxiety, and improving speech and communication. Apps can get the job done in a much more cost-efficient way, allowing the independent person the opportunity to help themselves after reluctantly accepting help from others for such a long period of time.

About: David Christensen is a personal injury attorney specializing in brain injuries with Christensen Law in Southfield, Michigan. He represents victims of motor vehicle and other types of accidents and helps get them compensation for their injuries.